Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Novel coronavirus has spread worldwide at a blistering pace, from a cluster of cases in Wuhan, China to a pandemic now affecting most of the world, every U.S. state, and all Bay Area counties. We're keeping track of the major moments here.

Updates are usually posted weekdays by 8 p.m.

May 25, 2020

The state allows churches to reopen and all stores to reopen for in-person shopping. There are restrictions for both activities. Churches may only operate at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer. The sharing of any items like prayer books or rugs is discouraged, as is group singing, to reduce the risk of transmission.

11 counties, out of California's 58, have not filed paperwork with the state to move deeper into phase 2. More than half are in the Bay Area.

May 24, 2020

Several Republican groups file a lawsuit over Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order to send mail-in ballots to all voters for the November election. Newsom announced the mail-voting expansion earlier this month in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 23, 2020

On Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of protesters gathered today outside the capitol in Sacramento to protest the governor's stay at home order.

May 22, 2020

Santa Clara county begins phase 2 of relaxing restrictions. It is the last Bay Area county to begin this step.

Masks or facial coverings in public are now required in Santa Clara County.

Sonoma County moves deeper into phase two with some permissions that aren't available in other counties. Libraries can provide curbside pickup. Restaurant dining is allowed at outdoor tables only. You can also dine at wineries, breweries, and bars as long as you're outside. Sonoma is the third Bay Area county to advance into stage two. 45 of California's 58 counties have received approval to move further into stage two.

Sonoma County, Marin County, and San Francisco announce that summer camps for kids can reopen.

May 21, 2020

More than 5 million coronavirus cases have been diagnosed worldwide.

Solano County becomes the second Bay Area county to receive state approval to move further into stage 2, which means dine-in restaurants, shopping malls, and stores can reopen with social distancing requirements. The City of Vacaville announces summer camps and other parks and recreation programs will likely begin on June 15. 43 of California's 58 counties have filed the paperwork to move deeper into stage 2.

More than 2.4 million Americans filed for unemployment for the first time in the past week. Total unemployment filings are now at 38.6 million in the nine weeks since the virus hit the economy.

May 20, 2020

Today sets a new record for new coronavirus cases in one day. The World Health Organization reports 106,000 new cases in the past 24 hours. The total number of cases worldwideis approaching 5 million, including 1.5 million in the United States.

All 50 states are now relaxing restrictions and reopening in some form.

33 of California's 58 counties have been approved to move deeper into phase two, a process that's formally known as an attestation for regional variance.

San Mateo County allows child care facilities to reopen for everyone, not just the children of essential workers. There are strict requirements to ensure everyone's safety, including stable groups of no more than 12 children.

May 19, 2020

The Bay Area surpasses 400 coronavirus deaths.

Napa County becomes the first in the Bay Area to receive state permission to open dine-in restaurants, retail stores, and shopping malls to reopen. Wine tasting and vineyards are not allowed to reopen.

Alameda and Contra Costa Counties move into phase two.

May 18, 2020

Santa Clara County announces it will move into phase two on Friday, May 22. It is the last Bay Area county to begin to relax restrictions.

Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties begin phase two.

While in Napa County, Governor Gavin Newsom announces modifications to the state's stay at home order that will allow almost every county to move faster into phase two. Sporting events, without spectators, may resume in the beginning of June. Church services and salons are still weeks away from opening.

The United States has more than 1.5 million cases of coronavirus and has reported more than 90,000 deaths.

May 17, 2020

Specialty's Cafe & Bakery, based in Pleasanton, is closing all 50 of its locations after 33 years in business. The company says the pandemic and shelter in place orders have decimated revenues.

May 16, 2020

UC Berkeley holds a virtual commencement for the Class of 2020 in the online video game world of Minecraft.

May 15, 2020

The House passes Democrats' new $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill, despite Republican opposition. The bill now heads to the Senate where it is unlikely to pass.

JC Penney files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The USNS Mercy leaves Los Angeles because it is no longer needed. The hospital ship arrived in March in case of a surge in hospital demand due to the pandemic.

Contra Costa County announces it will permit drive-through and drive-in gatherings for events like church services and graduation ceremonies, starting Monday, May 18.

Starting today, parking around Oakland's Lake Merritt will be blocked off on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays to reduce crowding. Food trucks are also banned on weekends.

San Jose will bring back the downtown farmers market on June 5, with social distancing protocols in place.

May 14, 2020

Marin County reveals plans to advance to phase two on Monday, May 18, along with San Francisco and San Mateo counties.

Governor Gavin Newsom releases his revised May budget. California is facing a projected deficit of $54.3 billion.

For the first time in 20 years, AAA is not releasing a traffic and travel forecast for Memorial Day.

For the first time in 83 years, organizers of San Francisco's Stern Grove Festival have canceled the annual music event.

Nearly 3 million more Americans filed for unemployment in the past week, bringing the total in the two months since the pandemic began to roughly 36 million. Economists forecast that the official unemployment rate could hit 18% or higher in May. In California, more than 21% of the state's workforce is unemployed. 4.2 million Californians have lost their jobs over the past 8 weeks.

May 13, 2020

San Mateo County and San Francisco each announce plans to move into phase two on Monday, May 18, which means some shelter in place restrictions will be lifted.

18 counties in California are approved to move deeper into phase two. If a county wants to open schools, dine-in restaurants or shopping malls, they have to go through an attestation process, in which they certify the spread of COVID-19 is under control locally.

Tesla and Alameda County reach a deal to allow the plant to reopen.

May 12, 2020

California has conducted more than 1 million coronavirus tests. 69,382 have come back positive.

Governor Gavin Newsom releases details about what is required for restaurants to resume dine-in service and for shopping malls and offices to reopen. This is still part of California's stage two of relaxing shelter in place restrictions.

California State University announces almost all of its classes will be held remotely in the fall with virtually no in-person instruction.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi unveils a more than $3 trillion coronavirus aid package, providing nearly $1 trillion for states and cities, "hazard pay" for essential workers and a new round of cash payments to individuals.

Testifying remotely before the Senate Health, Labor and Pensions Committee, White House Coronavirus Task Force member Dr. Anthony Fauci warned that "the consequences could be really serious" if cities and states reopen the U.S. economy too quickly with the coronavirus still spreading.

Los Angeles County officials are recommending that the stay-at-home order be extended three more months, until August, as the region continues efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

May 11, 2020

The total number of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area tops 10,000.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the Fremont plant is reopening, in violation of Alameda County's public health order.

Governor Gavin Newsom announces the leaders of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Colorado have signed a joint letter requesting $1 trillion in federal aid.

Coronavirus has claimed more than 80,000 lives in the U.S.

AP exams are administered online to students at home for the first time ever.

May 10, 2020

There are more than 4 million coronavirus cases worldwide.

May 9, 2020

Mendocino County moves into phase two.

White House Coronavirus Task Force member Dr. Anthony Fauci announces he will begin a modified two week quarantine after being in contact with a White House staffer who tested positive for coronavirus. Both CDC Director Robert Redfield and FDA Director Stephen Hahn will self-quarantine for two weeks and telework from home.

May 8, 2020

California enters stage two which relaxes some of the shelter in place restrictions. Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Santa Cruz are the only Bay Area counties to match the state's move. Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties remain with stricter restrictions than the state.

Contra Costa County has more than 1,000 cases of coronavirus.

Governor Gavin Newsom signs an executive order to send every registered voter in California a vote-by-mail ballot for the November election.

The U.S. unemployment rate in April of 14.7% is its highest point since the Great Depression.

Delta Airlines announces it will suspend service at Oakland International Airport from May 11 through September because of the low number of air travelers during the pandemic. Delta will continue to serve San Francisco International Airport and Mineta San Jose International Airport.

Roy Horn, of Siegfried and Roy, dies of coronavirus. He was 75.

Vice President Mike Pence's press secretary, Katie Miller, tests positive for coronavirus. Her husband, Stephen Miller, is a Senior White House Advisor.

May 7, 2020

Governor Gavin Newsom lays out details of the reopening that will occur tomorrow when the state moves into stage two of its shelter in place restrictions, which will allow some retail stores to open for curbside pickup. In the Bay Area, only Napa and Solano Counties plan to follow the state rules; all other Bay Area counties say they're not ready.

Napa County announces it will require people to wear masks in public beginning Saturday, May 9.

The DMV will reopen 25 offices across the state tomorrow to help customers with appointments and transactions requiring an in-person visit.

3.2 million Americans filed for unemployment in the past week. More than 33 million unemployment claims have been filed nationwide since the pandemic began.

Neiman Marcus files for bankruptcy.

For the first time in 108 years, the Alameda County Fair will not be held this year.

President Trump's personal valet tests positive for coronavirus.

May 6, 2020

Only Napa and Solano Counties say they plan to match California's move to Stage 2 of the shelter in place restrictions, scheduled to take effect on Friday.

May 4, 2020

Worldwide, coronavirus is reported to have killed more than 250,000 people.

Revised shelter in place rules take effect in six of the Bay Area's nine counties allowing businesses like car washes and gardening stores to reopen. The rules are scheduled to remain in effect through May 31.

Governor Gavin Newsom announces that California will begin Phase 2 of lifting its shelter in place restrictions by the end of the week, on May 8.

Yuba and Sutter Counties defy the state order and allow businesses to reopen today, with additional restrictions and safety measures in place.

A lawsuit is filed to reopen the beaches in Orange County. Governor Gavin Newsom ordered them closed last week because of large crowds.

Ghost Ship warehouse fire defendant Derick Almena is released from the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, on bail. He's awaiting a new trial on 36 counts of involuntary manslaughter, for the 36 people who died in the fire Oakland in 2016. His release is tied to judicial emergency orders intended to stop the spread of coronavirus in jails.

Finalists for the James Beard Awards are announced today following a six week delay. The nominees include 17 Bay Area mentions.

May 1, 2020

A May Day protest takes place outside the State Capitol with thousands of people, many without masks, demanding an end to the shelter in place restrictions.

Coronavirus has caused more than 300 deaths in the Bay Area's nine counties and Santa Cruz County.

There are more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in the state of California.

California has reported more than 50,000 coronavirus cases.

Solano County revises and extends its shelter in place order to May 17.

Sonoma County announces changes to its shelter in place order. The new order takes effect on May 4 and has no end date.

Santa Cruz County begins to close beaches between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily to discourage visitors. People are still allowed to cross the beach to go swimming and surfing.

Modoc County, which sits on the north border of California, goes against the state's restrictions and allows some businesses to reopen.

More than 1 million people have recovered from coronavirus worldwide.

Foster City-based Gilead Sciences has been granted emergency approval for use of its drug remdesivir. It's the first drug shown to help fight coronavirus symptoms.

April 30, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom orders all beaches in Orange County to close following crowding last weekend.

Santa Cruz County extends its shelter in place order indefinitely, but relaxes some restrictions.

A potential coronavirus vaccine has entered pre-clinical testing at UC Davis.

Starting today, Monterey County requires people to wear a mask or face covering in public.

3.8 million more Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the past week, bringing the six week total to 30 million.

The USNS Comfort hospital ship leaves New York City after treating only 182 patients.

NASCAR will resume its season, without fans, on May 17.

April 29, 2020

Six Bay Area counties agree to modify shelter-in-place restrictions beginning on May 4. The new rules will allow construction to resume. Outdoor businesses can reopen, along with some childcare facilities and outdoor recreation areas. The current restrictions in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara are set to expire on May 3.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area's nine counties and Santa Cruz County top 8,000.

There are more than 60,000 coronavirus deaths across the United States.

April 28, 2020

The USA now has more than 1 million cases of coronavirus.

Governor Gavin Newsom lays out a four stage plan of lifting restrictions in California and reopening businesses, with changes spread out over weeks and months. California's public schools could start the next academic year as early as July or August.

Sonoma County relaxes restrictions and allows people to walk or bike to parks. Parking lots, picnic tables, and restrooms remain closed.

El Dorado County will allow its shelter in place order to expire on April 30.

Today is the first day that gig workers, independent contractors, and the self-employed can apply for unemployment insurance payments through California's Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.

April 27, 2020

The six Bay Area counties who originally coordinated to implement shelter-in-place restrictions announce a plan to extend restrictions through May. This affects Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties. The original shelter in place orders were scheduled to expire on May 3. Sonoma County's order is still set to expire on May 3. Solano County recently extended its order to May 17. Napa County's order has no expiration date.

Alameda County surpasses 1,500 cases of coronavirus.

There are more than 3 million coronavirus cases worldwide.

April 26, 2020

Santa Clara County reports its 100th death from coronavirus. It has more cases and deaths than any other Bay Area county.

More than 5 million coronavirus tests have been administered in the United States.

April 25, 2020

The number of coronavirus deaths worldwide exceeds 200,000.

There are more than 50 coronavirus deaths in Alameda County.

25 people in Contra Costa County have died from coronavirus.

The number of cases of coronavirus in San Mateo County passes 1,000.

In a sign of quarantine fatigue, crowds of people swarm beaches and parks, despite the stay at home orders.

April 24, 2020

More than 250 people in the Bay Area have died from coronavirus.

10 coronavirus related deaths are reported at the Gordon Manor Residential Care Home in Redwood City. Former Stanford president Donald Kennedy is among the victims.

Santa Clara County surpasses 2,000 known coronavirus cases. This number includes patients who have recovered. Only 176 people are currently hospitalized.

Solano County extends its stay at home order to May 17.

At a press conference, San Francisco Mayor London Breed says its likely the city's stay at home order will be extended. It's currently in effect through May 3.

Caltrans begins the deck replacement project at the Alemany Interchange on Highway 101 in San Francisco. It had been scheduled for July, but with so few people driving during the pandemic, Caltrans accelerated the job.

President Trump signs $484 billion coronavirus relief package into law.

The number of coronavirus deaths in the United States has topped 50,000.

The Navy's top Admiral is recommending the reinstatement of Captain Brett Crozier, a Santa Rosa native, who was relieved of command after he asked for more protection against coronavirus for his crew aboard the U.S.S Theodore Roosevelt. 856 crew members, and Crozier, have tested positive for coronavirus.

States including Michigan, Texas, Oklahoma, and Georgia modify or lift stay at home orders.

April 23, 2020

This is the deadliest day for coronavirus so far in California with 115 deaths reported. A total of 1,419 Californians have died from coronavirus and there are 37,339 confirmed cases.

UCSF epidemiologist Dr. George Rutherford estimates 34,000 - 44,000 lives would have been lost had the Bay Area done nothing to confront the coronavirus pandemic.

Most of California's largest student loan servicers have agreed to postpone collection for the next 90 days. Interest will not accrue.

Governor Gavin Newsom signs an executive order preventing debt collectors from garnishing the money Californians receive in their federal stimulus checks.

More than 4.4 million Americans filed for unemployment insurance in the past week, bringing the 5-week total to roughly 26 million. Economists forecast the unemployment rate for April could go as high as 20 percent.

April 22, 2020

Enforcement begins in the six Bay Area counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma, San Mateo and San Francisco - that are requiring people to wear a mask or face covering in public.

Napa County relaxes some restrictions associated with its stay-at-home order, allowing construction work, landscaping, gardening, drive-in religious services, and real estate showings to resume as long as people maintain physical distance. Golf courses are allowed to reopen under similar restrictions.

The County of Santa Clara Medical Examiner-Coroner has identified three individuals who died from COVID-19 before March 9, which was originally thought to be the date of the county's first coronavirus death. This predates the original report of the first coronavirus deaths in the United States, which were recorded on February 26 in the state of Washington.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a modest step toward normalcy: starting to schedule essential surgeries once again. The change is being done in coordination with Washington and Oregon and is effective immediately, he said.

April 21, 2020

There are now 200 coronavirus cases in Marin County.

Worldwide there are more than 2.5 million cases of coronavirus.

This year's Running of the Bulls in Spain has been canceled.

Oktoberfest in Munich will not take place this year.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II marked her 94th birthday without the typical fanfare. The monarch decided that the celebratory display would not be appropriate during the pandemic.

The U.S. Senate approved a $484 billion coronavirus aid bill. The money will fund small businesses, hospitals, and coronavirus tests.

President Trump announces a 60 day pause on issuing green cards.

April 20, 2020

Contra Costa County surpasses 20 deaths.

There are more than 100 coronavirus cases in Santa Cruz County.

The traditional 4/20 gathering at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park does not take place due to the shelter in place rules.

Protesters drive to the State Capitol in Sacramento to show their opposition to the state's shelter in place rules. Similar protests take place in cities across the country.

Georgia announces that most restrictions will be lifted on Friday.

In South Carolina, the governor announces that businesses and beaches will begin to reopen.

Tennessee's governor will let the current stay at home order expire on May 1.

New York state reports fewer than 500 deaths for the first day since March 31.

Oil prices sink to negative $37.63 per barrel.

Paper stimulus checks are in the mail, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

April 19, 2020

The number of people who have died from coronavirus in the Bay Area exceeds 200.

The first California prison inmate dies of coronavirus.

Americans frustrated by stay at home orders stage public protests in multiple states for the second day in a row.

April 18, 2020

Face covering requirements in six Bay Area counties take effect in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma, San Mateo and San Francisco.

Governor Gavin Newsom announces that California has secured more than 10,000 rooms statewide to house the homeless during the pandemic.

Protests against stay at home orders take place in several states.

Beaches in Jacksonville, Florida reopen to the public.

April 17, 2020

Coronavirus has claimed more than 150,000 lives worldwide.

California has more than 1,000 coronavirus deaths. Roughly half are in Los Angeles County.

Coronavirus has claimed 20 lives in San Francisco.

There are 40 coronavirus deaths in Alameda County.

San Francisco, Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Marin County, Sonoma and San Mateo County announce that masks or face coverings will be required when people are in public.

Governor Gavin Newsom announces the creation of the Governor's Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. Members include four former governors as well as 80 businessleaders. It's co-chaired by Bay Area philanthropist and former Democratic Presidential candidate Tom Steyer.

California's March unemployment rate jumps to 5.3% from 3.9% in February. It's the largest increase on record going back to 1976.

The President has approved a major disaster declaration for all U.S. states and territories, which has never happened before.

Wuhan, China has added 1,290 people to its coronavirus death toll, increasing the total by nearly 50%. Authorities admitted the healthcare system was overloaded and a lot of deaths were not counted.

April 16, 2020

The number of coronavirus cases in Alameda County surpasses 1,000.

Fremont requires people to wear a mask or face covering when in public.

The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is canceled for 2020.

Governor Newsom announces an executive order to provide two weeks of paid sick leave for food service workers.

President Trump unveils a 3-phase approach to lifting restrictions and resuming economic activity.

5.2 million additional Americans filed for unemployment last week, bringing the monthly total to roughly 22 million.

April 15, 2020

There are more than 2 million coronavirus cases worldwide.

The number of coronavirus cases in the United States tops 600,000.

San Francisco surpasses 1,000 cases of coronavirus.

Monterey County hits 100 coronavirus cases.

Federal taxes are not due today. The deadline has been extended to July 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Gavin Newsom announces new initiatives to help unemployed Californians, including $125 million in assistance for undocumented immigrants. The governor also signed an executive order creating the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program which will give more unemployed workers access to unemployment insurance payments. PUA benefits will apply to self-employed workers, independent contractors, those whose wage history isn't long enough to qualify for unemployment, and those who have exhausted unemployment benefits.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo orders all New Yorkers to wear face coverings in public when they can't maintain proper social distance.

President Trump kicked off his White House briefing, in the Rose Garden, by proclaiming: "the data suggest that nationwide we have passed the peak on new cases."

The roughly $350 billion Paycheck Protection Program, set up to help rescue small businesses with federally-backed forgivable loans, is expected to run out of funds tonight.

April 14, 2020

Today Governor Gavin Newsom laid out a 6-point framework of what it will take to begin gradually lifting the state's shelter in place restrictions, but did not indicate how long this would take.

President Trump announced that his administration is halting funding to the World Health Organization, accusing it of failing to do enough to stop the virus from spreading when it surfaced in China.

The International Monetary Fund says the world economy will suffer its worst year since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

April 13, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces that a gradual plan to lift shelter in place orders in California will be revealed tomorrow, in a coordinated effort with the governors of Oregon and Washington state.

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is ordering insurance companies to return premiums to customers and businesses affected by the pandemic and shelter in place orders.

Some of the federal stimulus checks start arriving in bank accounts via direct deposit.

Wyoming reports its first coronavirus death, becoming the 50th U.S. state to report a fatality.

ABC anchor George Stephanopoulos has tested positive for coronavirus, but says his symptoms are mild. His wife also has the disease.

Spain announces some workers in construction and factory jobs will be allowed to return to work.

France extends lockdown measures to May 11.

April 12, 2020

The Bay Area - nine counties plus Santa Cruz County - surpass 5,000 cases of coronavirus.

New York state has more coronavirus cases than any country.

The number of deaths in New York state surpasses 10,000.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves the hospital where he's been receiving treatment for coronavirus.

April 11, 2020

There are more than 50 coronavirus deaths in Santa Clara County.

Alameda County has more than 800 coronavirus cases.

In the greater Bay Area there are more than 5,000 coronavirus cases. This includes the nine Bay Area counties, plus Santa Cruz County, San Benito County, Monterey County, Mendocino County, and Lake County.

The United States now has the most reported coronavirus deaths in the world, with more than 20,000.

With the approval of a disaster declaration for Wyoming, President Trump has now declared a disaster exists in all 50 states. The White House points out this this is the first time in U.S. history that a president has declared that a major disaster exists in all 50 states at once.

April 10, 2020

Worldwide, more than 100,000 people have died from coronavirus.

There are more than 500,000 cases of coronavirus in the United States.

Contra Costa County surpasses 500 cases of coronavirus.

A coronavirus outbreak at San Francisco's largest homeless shelter, MSC South on 5th Street, leaves 68 residents and two staff sick.

Oakland announces it will close 74 miles of city streets to cars to allow more space for people to practice social distancing while walking, running, and biking.

The American Heart Association says coronavirus appears to be the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.

Burning Man, scheduled for late August in the Nevada desert, is canceled.

Los Angeles requires both workers and customers at essential businesses to wear masks. Businesses can refuse service to customers who do not have a face covering.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris livestreams a Good Friday service, its first since last year's fire.

April 9, 2020

The death toll from coronavirus in California tops 500.

New York state reports its deadliest day with 799 lives lost.

The Mesa, Arizona grandmother, Wanda Dench, who mistakenly invited teenager Jamal Hinton to Thanksgiving back in 2016, lost her husband Lonnie to coronavirus. Wanda has tested positive for coronavirus.

Nationwide, 6,606,000 people applied for unemployment in one week. This is just shy of the record set last week. This means more than 17 million people have applied for unemployment in three weeks.

In California, more unemployment claims have been processed in the last month than in all of last year. Californians receiving unemployment benefits will see an extra $600 in their checks starting Sunday, thanks to the federal stimulus package.

Spain's prime minister says it has reached its peak of coronavirus cases.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is moved out of intensive care, but remains hospitalized to receive treatment for coronavirus.

April 8, 2020

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide tops 1.5 million.

There are more than 400,000 cases of coronavirus in the United States.

Solano County surpassed 100 cases today, reporting 112 total.

San Francisco reports its tenth death from coronavirus.

Six patients at the Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hayward die of coronavirus. They are among 59 people, made up of 35 patients and 24 staff, who tested positive.

At midnight, beaches in Santa Cruz County will be closed for one week to keep people away during Easter weekend and Spring Break. Violators risk a $1,000 fine.

The Grand Princess cruise ship departs San Francisco, sailing into the Pacific Ocean, with an unreported destination. Passengers from the February 21 cruise file a class-action lawsuit in San Francisco Federal Court against Carnival and Princess Cruises claiming the company knew the ship carried the coronavirus and still let passengers on board. A passenger from a cruise that departed San Francisco on February 11 later became California's first coronavirus fatality.

JetBlue announces it will suspend all flights out of Mineta San Jose International Airport and will consolidate operations at San Francisco International Airport, due to drastic reductions in the number of airplane passengers. JetBlue is suspending service at seven other airports nationwide.

Amidst the pandemic, Bernie Sanders drops out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, leaving Joe Biden as the presumptive nominee. In a video message to supporters, Sanders says, "I could not in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot win and which would interfere with the important work required by all of us in this difficult hour,"

April 7, 2020

The number of cases in the Bay Area exceeds 4,000.

The number of deaths in the Bay Area tops 100, reaching 110 total.

Marin County reports its tenth death.

Six Bay Area counties formally announce that in-person classes will not resume for the rest of the school year.

VTA announces that light rail service will resume on April 9, weeks after a trainee tested positive for coronavirus.

The Grand Princess cruise ship returns to dock at Pier 35 in San Francisco to get supplies. More than 650 crewmembers remain on board.

New York City's death toll from coronavirus has eclipsed the number of those killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Health officials say more than 3,200 people have been killed in the city thus far. That's about 450 more than were killed in the city in 2001 when hijacked planes slammed into the World Trade Center.

Japan declares a state of emergency.

The death toll in France tops 10,000. Starting tomorrow, Paris will ban all outdoor sports between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Outbound travel restrictions in Wuhan, China, where coronavirus originated, are lifted. The airport reopens for the first time in 76 days. The city was locked down on January 23.

April 6, 2020

The number of coronavirus cases in California tops 16,000.

California lends 500 ventilators to the national stockpile to be used where the need is currently greatest.

BART makes additional service reductions; trains will run once every 30 minutes.

MUNI begins to reduce service from 68 bus routes to just 17.

An inmate of a New York City jail is the first detained person in the city to die of the coronavirus, according to the New York City Department of Corrections.

There are more than 10,000 coronavirus deaths reported in the United States.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is admitted to the ICU for treatment of coronavirus.

April 5, 2020

Lake County announces its first case of coronavirus.The patient had been exposed while on the job outside of the county.

Alameda County surpasses 500 cases of coronavirus.

There are more than 90 coronavirus deaths in the Bay Area.

The Grand Princess cruise ship sails out of the San Francisco Bay, after being anchored for three weeks. The ship has future plans to briefly dock at the Port of San Francisco to take on supplies.

Navy Captain Brett Crozier, originally from Santa Rosa, has tested positive for coronavirus. Crozier was relieved of command on April 2 after he sent a letter to his superiors detailing an outbreak aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt. There are 155 confirmed cases of the virus among sailors on the aircraft carrier.

A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York City tests positive for coronavirus.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is admitted to the hospital; he previously announced he had been diagnosed with coronavirus.

Queen Elizabeth gave a rare televised speech, the fifth in her 68-year reign, with words reminiscent of World War II. The Queen told people, "I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge, and those who come after us will say the Britons of this generation were as strong as any."

April 4, 2020

Sonoma County exceeds 100 cases of coronavirus.

San Francisco and San Mateo each exceed 500 cases of coronavirus.

The first inmate at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin tests positive for coronavirus.

Crew members who remain on board the Grand Princess cruise ship, docked in the San Francisco Bay, complete their quarantine, which means the ship receives permission to resume sailing.

Governor Gavin Newsom announces the creation of a Coronavirus Task Force in partnership with UC Davis and UC San Diego to improve the state's testing capacity.

Gov. Newsom says he does not anticipate the NFL season will start in August and will defer to health experts as to when they can resume.

April 3, 2020

The total number of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area passes 3,000.

There are more than 80 deaths from coronavirus in the Bay Area.

27 people, including three staff members, at a senior housing facility called The Orinda Care Center test positive for coronavirus.

There are more than 100 coronavirus cases in Sonoma County.

Contra Costa County has recorded its fifth coronavirus death.

A crew member from the Grand Princess cruise ship, still docked in the San Francisco Bay, has died of coronavirus. The person passed away in a San Francisco hospital after being transferred off the ship in March. Hundreds of crew workers remain on the ship; their quarantine ends tomorrow.

California's state legislature will not reconvene as scheduled on April 13. Members recessed on March 16 shortly after approving a $1 billion spending package to address the outbreak.

The U.S. Supreme Court postpones April arguments because of the pandemic, extending an already historic delay of major legal cases.

The CDC and White House Coronavirus Task Force now recommend Americans wear a face covering when in public, especially when it is hard to maintain social distancing. Face masks are not required and medical grade masks, like N95, should be reserved for medical professionals.. Homemade coverings, including those made of fabric, are all acceptable if they cover your nose and mouth completely and do not require adjustments; do not wear something that makes you touch your face more often.

The U.S. unemployment rate jumped from 3.5 to 4.4 percent in March.

It's estimated the coronavirus pandemic will cost the global economy as much as $4.1 trillion, or nearly 5% of all economic activity.

Mexican brewing company Grupo Modelo will stop brewing Corona and other beers, following a health emergency declaration in Mexico that orders the temporary suspension of non-essential products.

April 2, 2020

Worldwide, the number of coronavirus cases passes 1 million. There have been more than 50,000 deaths.

A record-shattering 6.6 million unemployment claims were filed nationwide in the past week, on top of an unprecedented 3.3 million the week before.

More than 1.9 million Californians have filed for unemployment benefits since March 12, an average of more than 111,000 claims per day over the last week.

There are more than 10,000 coronavirus cases in California.

Santa Clara County surpasses 1,000 cases of coronavirus.

Solano County reports its first coronavirus death. At this point, every Bay Area county has reported at least one death.

There are at least 200 coronavirus deaths in California, including 73 in the Bay Area.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency asked the Pentagon for 100,000 body bags because of the possibility funeral homes will be overwhelmed.

The California Department of Public Health and many Bay Area health agencies recommend people wear masks when in public.

The Democratic National Convention, scheduled for July in Milwaukee, is postponed to August.

President Trump says he has tested negative a second time for coronavirus.

April 1, 2020

There are more than 9,500 coronavirus cases in California, with roughly a third in the Bay Area.

The University of California will temporarily suspend SAT and letter grade requirements for students applying to its campuses for the Fall 2020 semester.

Governor Newsom officially announced that public schools will be closed for the rest of the academic year.

The United States has more than 200,000 cases of coronavirus.

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide tops 900,000.

Spain's death toll becomes the second-highest in the world, after Italy.

France surpasses China's official death toll.

Wimbledon is canceled for the first time since World War II.

March 31, 2020

The stay at home orders for most of the Bay Area will be extended to May 3. This affects Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. Starting at midnight on April 1, the rules will become more restrictive and will ban most commercial and residential construction, the use of playgrounds and dog parks, as well as shared recreational facilities like golf courses, tennis courts, and pools. Essential businesses that continue to operate must implement a social distancing protocol.

Napa County announces its first death, Santa Rosa Police Detective Marylou Armer.

Santa Clara County has now announced 30 deaths.

California announces 150 coronavirus deaths.

In a letter to school leaders, California's State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond writes, "Due to the current safety concerns and needs for ongoing social distancing it currently appears that our students will not be able to return to school campuses before the end of the school year."

The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has climbed past 3,500, eclipsing China's official count.

The White House is projecting 100,000 to 240,000 deaths in the U.S. from the coronavirus pandemic if current social distancing guidelines are maintained.

Globally diagnosed cases of coronavirus pass the 800,000 mark.

March 30, 2020

The number of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area tops 2,000. There are more than 7,000 cases in California.

The number of coronavirus deaths in the Bay Area surpasses 50.

The shelter in place orders affecting most of the Bay Area will soon be extended to May 1.

Instacart workers go on strike demanding the San Francisco based company provide hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, hazard pay of $5 per order, and an expanded sick pay policy.

Macy's, Kohl's, and Gap furlough most employees.

The USNS Comfort hospital ship arrives in New York city.

The first U.S. military service member dies of coronavirus, a New Jersey National Guardsman who had been hospitalized since March 21.

EasyJet has grounded its entire fleet of aircraft due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The number of diagnosed cases in Italy passed the 100,000 mark, second to the U.S. In Spain, the number of cases now exceed China's.

The opening ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo has been rescheduled for July 23, 2021. The closing ceremony will now be held on Aug. 8, 2021.

Moscow and St. Petersburg in Russia order city-wide quarantines.

March 29, 2020

California's total number of coronavirus cases passes 5,000.

Santa Cruz County reports its first death.

Alameda County reaches seven total deaths.

Contra Costa County reports three total deaths.

All California state parks close.

The hospital ship USNS Mercy, docked near Los Angeles, accepts its first patients on board.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of President Trump's coronavirus task force, said it is possible that 100,000 to 200,000 people in the U.S. will die from the coronavirus.

President Trump extends the nation's social distancing guidelines to April 30.

Country singer Joe Diffie, who had a string of hits in the 1990s with chart-topping ballads and honky-tonk singles like "Home" and "Pickup Man," has died after testing positive for COVID-19. He was 61.

March 28, 2020

California's coronavirus death toll tops 100.

San Francisco reports its fourth death.

Santa Clara County reports an additional five deaths, bringing its total to 25.

A child less than one year old in Illinois becomes the first infant to die of coronavirus.

March 27, 2020

Marin County reports its first death. The patient was a man in his 70s who had been a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise ship for a voyage that traveled from San Francisco to Mexico between February 11 and 21.

San Francisco reports its third death.

There are now six coronavirus deaths in San Mateo County.

Santa Clara County reports its 20th death.

East Bay Regional Parks close more park features and parking lots to encourage people to stay home and shelter in place.

Disneyland and Disney World will remain closed indefinitely.

President Trump signed a $2.2 trillion economic rescue package, after the House and Senate respectively passed it.Under the plan, many single Americans would receive $1,200, married couples would get $2,400 and parents would see $500 for each child.

The United States has become the first country to exceed 100,000 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus.

Governor Gavin Newsom issues a statewide moratorium on the eviction of renters.

The USNS Mercy, a Navy hospital ship, arrives in Los Angeles and will begin taking non-coronavirus patients on Saturday to relieve the burden on medical facilities.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti warns that, by early next week, LA County could surpass the number of cases in New York.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has contracted coronavirus.

March 26, 2020

San Francisco reports its second death.

Alameda County now has four coronavirus deaths.

Santa Clara County reports its 18th and 19th coronavirus deaths.

Two passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship die. Both were men in their 60s and had been housed at Travis Air Force Base.

The number of coronavirus cases in California passes 3,000.

There are more than half a million coronavirus cases worldwide.

The U.S. now has the most coronavirus cases in the world. With 82,404, it has surpassed Italy and China.

VTA suspends light rail service after a trainee employee tests positive.

SFMTA announces that Muni metro and light rail service will be suspended starting Mar. 30.

REAL ID deadline is delayed one year to October 20, 2021.

3,283,000 people applied for unemployment in one week, the largest number ever documented by the weekly jobless claims report by the Labor Department.

China temporarily bans most foreigners from entering the country.

For the first time since 1946, the Indy 500 will not run on Memorial Day Weekend.

March 25, 2020

Most Bay Area schools extend closures through May 1. This includes schools in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Santa Clara counties. Schools have been closed since March 16.

Santa Clara reports its 17th coronavirus death.

San Mateo county now has five coronavirus deaths.

It's announced that Prince Charles has coronavirus.

The Senate passes the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus plan, called the CARES Act. The House will vote on the plan Friday.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces financial help for Californians, including a 90-day waiver of mortgage payments by Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and roughly 200 smaller banks and credit unions. Bank of America has agreed to a 30-day waiver. For the next 60 days, there is a moratorium on initiating foreclosure sales or evictions.

The COVID-19 death toll in Spain has now reached 3,434, which is higher than the number of fatalities in China.

More than half of the states in the U.S. have issued shelter in place orders, 27 total.

March 24, 2020

The Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to open on July 24, are postponed to 2021.

Alameda County reports its second death.

San Francisco reports its first death, a man in his 40s with significant, underlying health conditions.

The number of coronavirus cases in the Bay Area passes 1,000. Statewide, there are more than 2,000 cases.

A teenager in Los Angeles County becomes the first minor in California to die of coronavirus. (This cause of death is later revisited when Los Angeles county officials say they are no longer sure if coronavirus killed the 17-year-old boy.)

China has announced it will lift lockdown measures in Wuhan on April 8. Diagnosed cases worldwide have topped 380,000 and the death toll has exceeded 16,000.

1.3 billion people in India are put into a complete lockdown. The Prime Minister announced a total ban on Indians venturing outside their homes for 21 days.

March 23, 2020

BART reduces service hours to 5am-9pm weekdays and 8am-9pm weekends due to ridership losses approaching 90%.

NYSE trading becomes all-electronic; trading hours remain the same.

Contra Costa County offers drive-thru testing for first responders and health care workers.

Marin County's Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis announces he has tested positive for coronavirus.

Santa Clara County's Director of Communications and Public Affairs tests positive for coronavirus.

Santa Clara County announces three more deaths from coronavirus, bringing the county's total to 13.

Santa Cruz County advises travelers to stay home and avoid overcrowding beaches.

Sonoma County announces the closure of parks.

Alameda County reports its first death.

After 14 days of quarantine, Grand Princess cruise ship passengers at Travis Air Force Base are allowed to leave. Some passengers refused to be tested for coronavirus over concerns it would delay their release.

Wuhan, China reports no new cases for the fifth day in a row.

The World Health Organization says "the pandemic is accelerating".

The United Kingdom issues a stay at home order, matching measures already taken in France, Spain, and Italy.

Japan to require a 14-day quarantine period for all visitors from the U.S., beginning on Thursday, Mar. 26.

March 22, 2020

Napa county reports two cases of coronavirus. It is the last county in the Bay Area to have residents test positive.

Alameda County passes 100 cases.

San Francisco passes 100 cases.

Santa Clara county reports 10 total deaths and more than 300 cases. The ninth death was a woman in her 60s. The tenth death was a woman in her 40s.

Yolo County reports its first death, an older adult with underlying chronic health problems.

Marin County announces it will close all parks indefinitely, starting Monday, Mar. 23, following an overwhelming number of weekend visitors.

Lake County restricts lodging and waterways to discourage visitors.

Hawaii's governor orders mandatory 14-day quarantine for all individuals arriving or returning to Hawaii.

Sen. Rand Paul becomes the first senator to test positive for coronavirus.

National Guard activated in California.

President Trump issues a major disaster declaration for the state of California.

The S&P 500 futures dropped 5%, hitting the limit down, the maximum drop allowed.

March 21, 2020

Santa Clara University student tests positive.

Vice President Mike Pence and wife test negative for coronavirus.

March 20, 2020

Globally, the death toll from coronavirus passes 10,000.

Total coronavirus cases in the Bay Area surpass 500; local death toll reaches double digits.

First death in Sonoma County announced.

First death in Contra Costa County announced; it is a resident in their 70s who had a pre-existing condition and had recently traveled overseas.

Seventh and eighth deaths announced for Santa Clara County. The seventh death is a man in his 80s. The eighth death is a man in his 70s.

San Mateo County surpasses 100 coronavirus cases.

Gilroy Garlic Festival canceled for 2020.

Bay to Breakers running race in San Francisco postponed from May to September.

Yosemite National Park closed.

Tax deadline delayed from April 15 to July 15.

Starbucks reduces stores to drive-thru service only.

March 19, 2020

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces a statewide order to shelter at home, affecting 40 million Californians. The order restricts all non-essential travel and activities outside the home.

Italy's coronavirus death toll of 3,405 surpasses China's number of fatalities. This same day, China reports no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since the outbreak started.

The U.S. State Department raises its global health advisory to level 4 - its highest level - telling Americans not to travel abroad because of the pandemic.

March 18, 2020

First case of coronavirus announced in Mendocino County, as well as a shelter in place order.

Solano County issues shelter in place order to take effect immediately.

Napa County issues shelter in place order to begin at midnight on Friday, Mar. 20.

Lake County issues shelter in place order to begin at midnight. There are no known cases of coronavirus in Lake County.

Sixth death in Santa Clara County announced. The patient was a man in his 60s.

The Dow Jones closes below 20,000 for the first time in three years. During the trading day it lost 6.3%, ending at 19,898.92.

March 17, 2020

Shelter in place order takes effect in six counties including Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Santa Clara. Nearly 7 million Bay Area residents are told to restrict activities and travel to only essential tasks.

Sonoma County issues shelter in place order to take effect at midnight, Mar. 18.

Fifth death reported in Santa Clara County, a man in his 50s.

First coronavirus case at San Jose State University announced.

CSU postpones commencement ceremonies.

Death toll nationwide passes 100 and all 50 states have at least one coronavirus case, after West Virginia announces its first case.

President Trump announces proposal to send immediate cash payments to Americans.

Uber & Lyft suspend shared ride options.

Former Golden State Warriors player Kevin Durant announces he has tested positive for coronavirus.

The PGA Championship, which was to be played at Harding Park in San Francisco in May is postponed.

March 16, 2020

Shelter in place order announced for six Bay Area counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, San Francisco, and Santa Clara - to take effect at midnight, Mar. 17. Santa Cruz county also issues a shelter in place order.

The first day that most Bay Area schools are closed and students are kept at home. Some classes transition to online learning.

Most Bay Area public libraries close. Some buildings are repurposed as child care centers.

Third and fourth deaths reported in Santa Clara County. Both were men, one in his 80s and one in his 50s.

The Dow Jones experiences its largest point drop in history, losing 2,997.10 during the trading day.

The Grand Princess cruise ship leaves the Port of Oakland and anchors within the San Francisco Bay. Medical workers remain on board to care for 340 crew members and six foreign passengers.

SFMTA announces cable car service will be suspended, among other changes.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a shelter in place order for the entire country for 15 days starting at noon Tuesday, Mar. 17.

Vaccination trial begins in Seattle.

Verily Health launches website to allow people to apply for an appointment for a coronavirus test. The first two drive-through testing sites open at the San Mateo Event Center and Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose. Verily, formerly Google Life Sciences, is a subsidiary of Alphabet, Google's parent company.

March 15, 2020

Governor Gavin Newsom orders all bars, nightclubs, wineries, and brewpubs to close, tells adults age 65 and over and those with chronic health conditions to stay home, allows restaurants to stay open but to reduce capacity so customers are socially distanced.

First death reported in San Mateo County.

The number of cases in Santa Clara County passes 100.

The Centers for Disease Control warns against holding any gatherings larger than 50 people.

March 14, 2020

UC Berkeley reports a student tested positive for coronavirus.

Sonoma County reports first case of community spread of coronavirus.

Many Lake Tahoe-area ski resorts announce closures.

Many retail stores start shutting down.

Contra Costa County bans groups of 100+ people, effective at midnight.

San Mateo County bans gatherings of 50 people or more.

President Trump extends travel ban with Europe to include UK and Ireland.

The President tests negative for coronavirus.

March 13, 2020

Stanford University confirms its first case of coronavirus.

Second death reported in Santa Clara County, a woman in her 80s.

Sonoma County bans gatherings of 250 people or more.

Santa Clara County bans groups of 100 and restricts gatherings between 35 to 100 people.

San Francisco bans gatherings of 100 people or more.

President Trump declares a national emergency which opens up $50 billion in federal funding.

NASCAR postpones season for two weeks.

The Boston Marathon is postponed from April to September.

The Masters golf tournament, scheduled for April, is postponed with no new date announced.

March 12, 2020

San Francisco Unified School district announces all schools will close starting Monday for three weeks. Other districts soon follow.

San Mateo County bans all gatherings of 250 people or more.

Most passengers have disembarked the Grand Princess cruise ship at the Port of Oakland.

Major League Soccer suspends the season.

The National Hockey League suspends the season.

NCAA cancels March Madness along with all remaining Winter and Spring Championships.

Major League Baseball suspends spring training and delays Opening Day at least two weeks.

March 11, 2020

The World Health Organization declares coronavirus a pandemic, meaning the disease is having a global impact.

In a live address from the Oval Office, President Trump orders a 30-day travel ban for parts of Europe, beginning at midnight on Friday, Mar. 13. The President also orders the Treasury Department to defer tax payments without penalties or interest.

San Francisco bans public gatherings of 1,000 people or more. As a result, the Golden State Warriors announce plans to play their upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets at Chase Center without fans present. All events at Chase Center are cancelled through March 21.

Alameda County bans events of 1,000 people. The San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's announce that preseason exhibition games will be impacted.

Utah Jazz basketball player Rudy Gobert tests positive for coronavirus. The news is announced moments before the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder were scheduled to play; the game is abruptly canceled and all fans sent home.

The NBA announces the season is suspended.

March 10, 2020

Santa Clara County bans gatherings of 1,000 people or more.

Contra Costa County recommends canceling mass gatherings.

The Archdiocese of San Francisco, which has 90 schools in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties, announces it will close all schools March 12 to March 25. The announcement comes after a student tested positive for coronavirus.

March 9, 2020

The first coronavirus death in Santa Clara County is announced, a woman in her 60s who had been hospitalized for several weeks. She was the third confirmed case in the county.

Marin County reports its first case of coronavirus. The patient is an older man who was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise ship between February 11 and 21. Marin County recommends canceling or postponing indoor gatherings of more than 100 people.

Lake County declares a local health emergency.

The Grand Princess Cruise ship docks at the Port of Oakland, with 21 confirmed cases of coronavirus among roughly 3,500 passengers and crew. The disembarkation process begins. Local passengers are bussed to Travis Air Force Base for 14 days of quarantine. Out-of-state passengers are flown to quarantine locations including Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, Dobbins Air Reserve Station in Georgia, and Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. Foreign passengers are flown to their home countries.

March 8, 2020

Plans to dock the Grand Princess cruise ship, with 21 confirmed coronavirus cases aboard, at the Port of Oakland are announced.

March 7, 2020

Santa Cruz County reports its first case of coronavirus. The patient was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise ship that traveled between San Francisco and Mexico from February 11 to February 21.

March 6, 2020

San Francisco makes public health recommendations that people in vulnerable populations, such as those over age 60, limit public outings, that businesses minimize travel and the number of people working in offices, and that non-essential large gatherings be canceled.

Test results from the Grand Princess cruise ship are revealed by vice president Mike Pence. 19 crew members and 2 passengers have tested positive for coronavirus. 46 total tests were administered.

March 5, 2020

Santa Clara county recommends postponing or canceling mass events.

San Francisco reports its first two cases of coronavirus. The two cases are unrelated; neither patient had a history of travel or contact with an infected individual. The first patient is a man in his 90s with an underlying health condition. The second patient is a woman in her 40s.

Sonoma County reports its second case of coronavirus. The first and second patients were both passengers on the Grand Princess cruise ship between February 11 and 21, traveling between San Francisco and Mexico.

Coronavirus test kits are airlifted to the Grand Princess cruise ship, which is off the coast of California. Hours later, the samples arrive via helicopter in Richmond, where they are transported by ambulance to a lab.

March 4, 2020

Santa Cruz County declares a local health emergency.

Mendocino County declares a local emergency and local health emergency.

Governor Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency in California.

The first coronavirus death in California is announced. The fatality is a 71-year-old man from Placer County who traveled on the Grand Princess cruise ship from San Francisco to Mexico between February 11 and 21.

The Grand Princess cruise ship, en route to Ensenada Mexico, aborts its current itinerary. It begins heading back to San Francisco with an unknown arrival date.

March 3, 2020

California's primary election is held as planned.

Contra Costa County reports its first, local case of coronavirus.

Marin County proclaims health and local emergencies.

March 2, 2020

Sonoma County declares a local public health emergency after announcing a new case of coronavirus in a county resident. The patient was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise ship, traveling from San Francisco to Mexico, between February 11 and 21.

Alameda County reports its first local case of coronavirus.

San Mateo County announces its first presumptive positive case of coronavirus in a county resident. The patient is an adult who had no known exposure to the virus through travel or community contact and is hospitalized.

San Mateo County activates its Emergency Operations Center.

Diamond Princess cruise ship passengers are released from quarantine at Travis Air Force Base. They are taken by bus to San Francisco International Airport as well as Sacramento International Airport to fly home.

February 29, 2020

The first coronavirus death in the United States is announced in Washington state. A man with no travel history to China died on Feb. 28. Two deaths that occurred Feb. 26 at a Washington nursing home would later be recorded as the first coronavirus deaths in the U.S. (This is later disputed when Santa Clara County announces on April 22 that a woman's death on Feb. 6 was due to coronavirus.)

The Grand Princess cruise ship leaves Hawaii, en route to Ensenada, Mexico.

February 28, 2020

A Santa Clara County woman has been diagnosed with the virus, becoming the second patient in the country to contract coronavirus without having traveled to hard-hit countries, or interacting with confirmed patients.

February 27, 2020

Solano County declares a local state of emergency

All passengers have left the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

February 26, 2020

The first case of suspected local transmission in the United States is a resident of Solano County. The patient had not traveled to affected areas or had contact with people knowingly diagnosed with coronavirus. The patient is receiving care at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

President Trump appoints vice president Mike Pence to lead the administration's efforts to fight the potential pandemic.

The Grand Princess cruise ship arrives in Hawaii to make stops in Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the city of Hilo.

February 25, 2020

San Francisco declares a local emergency, despite having no local cases.

Sonoma County reports its first coronavirus patient. The person, a passenger on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, was transferred from Travis Air Force Base.

Contra Costa County reports three cases of coronavirus from patients who were transferred from Travis Air Force Base. The patients were passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

February 21, 2020

The Grand Princess cruise ship returns from a 10-day cruise to Mexico. It departs the same day for a 14-day cruise to Hawaii. Some passengers stay on the ship for the second cruise. Multiple people from both voyages will later test positive for coronavirus.

February 20, 2020

The first confirmed case of coronavirus in Santa Clara County has fully recovered. The male patient was isolated at home and monitored by public health staff; he was never sick enough to require hospitalization.

February 16, 2020

A State Department flight carrying U.S. passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship arrives at Travis Air Force base, where they will remain for a 14-day quarantine.

February 11, 2020

The World Health Organization formally renames the novel coronavirus COVID-19. "Co" stands for coronavirus, "Vi" is for virus and "D" is for disease.

The Grand Princess cruise ship departs San Francisco for a 10-day cruise to Mexico. Multiple passengers from this cruise will later test positive for coronavirus. One of them, a 71-year-old man from Placer County, will become the first coronavirus death in the state of California. (The date of the state's first death is later revised by a discovery made in late April that a Santa Clara County woman died from coronavirus on Feb. 6.)

February 7, 2020

More American evacuees from China arrive at Travis Air Force Base.

February 6, 2020

A flight of American evacuees from China lands at Travis Air Force base to refuel before continuing on to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and Omaha, Nebraska. Passengers are subject to a 14-day quarantine.

A 57-year-old woman in Santa Clara County dies. It is not until April 22 that her cause of death is revealed as coronavirus, making her the first death in the United States.

February 5, 2020

The Diamond Princess cruise ship anchors off the coast of Yokohama, Japan.-Nearly 200 American citizens evacuated from Wuhan, China arrive at Travis Air Force Base for a two-week quarantine.

February 4, 2020

The Diamond Princess cruise ship is scheduled to dock at Yokohama, Japan, but health screenings show 10 people have coronavirus. More than 700 will later become infected.

February 2, 2020

U.S. implements mandatory 14-day quarantine for all American travelers from China. Foreign nationals, other than immediate family members of U.S. Citizens who have traveled to China in the previous 14 days, will be denied entry into the U.S.-Delta, American, and United Airlines each announce plans to suspend all flights to China within days.

February 3, 2020

Two coronavirus patients from San Benito county are transported to a San Francisco hospital for treatment.

January 31, 2020

Santa Clara County reports its first new coronavirus case.

U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Alex Azar declares a national public health emergency.

January 26, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control confirm California's first case of coronavirus in Orange County. The patient is a traveler from Wuhan, China. This is the third coronavirus case in the United States.

January 30, 2020

The World Health Organization declares a "public health emergency of international concern" for only the sixth time in its history.

January 21, 2020

The first confirmed case of coronavirus in the United States is a man in his 30s who had recently traveled to Wuhan, China.

January 20, 2020

The Diamond Princess cruise ship leaves Yokohama on a 14-day voyage. A passenger from Hong Kong disembarks early, on January 25, and tests positive for coronavirus on February 1. There are more than 3,700 people on board the cruise ship.

January 11, 2020